China has halted its soybean purchases from the United States, turning instead to Latin America. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, this move puts political and economic pressure on President Trump’s key rural support base.

Nepal has reignited its border dispute with India, prompting questions about whether the United States might leverage tensions for strategic purposes. Recent student-driven riots tied to social media bans add another layer of complexity to a situation that may impact the region’s balance of power.

In a closely watched event, Vladimir Putin is set to join Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping for a display of new warfighting weapons in Beijing. An expert’s warning about Chinese laser technology looms large, underlining growing concerns over the next generation of military threats.

In “The Energy Report: War Profiteering,” Phil Flynn examines how key energy markets may be influenced by conflicts and rising global tensions. The piece focuses on Brent Oil Futures, Natural Gas Futures, Heating Oil Futures, and BP PLC ADR.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked Beijing to serve as guarantor for a prospective peace agreement on Ukraine, Axios reports. The overture, aimed at the United States and European nations, signals Moscow’s search for a security backstop acceptable to all sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opted for formal attire during a recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to IJR. The brief account notes a light exchange capped by the words, “You look good.”